What 's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Both terms cover a wide range of approaches to working with people to tackle problems and issues. There are no clear definitions that make a distinction between the two, although in general a psychotherapist is more likely to undertake long-term work and to include unconscious material. When you are choosing a counsellor or psychotherapist, there are two key things to consider:
  1. whether the person is properly qualified
    the easiest way to check is to see if they are registered/accredited with the UK Council for Psychotherapy or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
  2. whether you are comfortable with the individual and her or his approach to the work
    you may get some idea from speaking on the telephone or communicating by email prior to making an appointment; or you may find at the first appointment that you feel reasonably comfortable with the therapist and his or her approach.

Sometimes you may be able to get a recommendation from someone else who has seen the person themselves, but be sure to make up your own mind when you meet your counsellor or psychotherapist yourself.